PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Nainital
Sparsh Ganga Mahotsav will be organised in all the educational institutions located across Uttarakhand on December 17 for the first time under the joint aegis of Sparsh Ganga Abhiyan, Namami Gange, Himalayan Educational and Resource Development Society (HERDS), Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University, Kumaon University Nainital and Sparsh Himalayan University Dehradun. The principal function will be held in Lekhak Gaon, Thano in Dehradun.
Since its inception in 2009, Sparsh Ganga Abhiyan has consistently made significant contributions to the conservation and development of nature, environment and culture. The primary objective of the Abhiyan is to raise awareness among 55,000 National Service Scheme volunteers as well as school students, teachers and people at large about the imperative of conserving Ganga, the organisers said.
Through regular tree plantation, polythene elimination, and cleanliness drives, the Abhiyan’s volunteers have been working to protect nature and environment. “Sparsh Ganga Mahotsav is being organised for the first time principally to draw up framework for the future programmes,” said the national coordinator of the Sparsh Ganga Abhiyan, Atul Joshi. Along with school students, Sparsh Ganga Prahari, educationists, environmentalists, litterateurs, nature lovers, research students and social workers from across the State will participate in this festival.
On this occasion, under the aegis of Himalayan Educational Research and Development Society (HUDS), five teachers (primary/secondary and higher education) of the State who have made special contribution in social works like conservation of Ganga, environment and culture, eradication of social evils and disaster management and blood donation for the last six years will be felicitated.
This year’s selection committee included noted environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee Kalyan Singh Rawat Maiti and educationist, Atul Joshi among others.
